February 16, 2012 9.22 am This story is over 153 months old

City students bear Olympic torch for Lincoln

For consideration: Two Lincoln students have been shortlisted for the chance to bear the Olympic Torch in Lincolnshire.

Two students from Bishop Grosseteste University College are on the consideration list to carry the Olympic torch through the county.

Jade Etherington (20) and James Roark (21) both live in the county and were nominated by BG due to their contributions to sport and the community.

Keen skier Jade Etherington is from Bourne and is currently studying Education and Geography and the university.

As well as being nominated for torch bearing, she is also hoping to qualify as a Paralympic in the 2014 Olympic Games with the British Disabled Ski Team.

Etherington suffers from glaucoma and Axenfield’s Syndrome, a genetic condition causing a blockade of fluid in the eye, leaving her partially sighted.

She said: “I’ve never done anything like this before. Carrying the Olympic torch this year is a brilliant opportunity for me to become involved with the Olympic experience leading up to the 2014 games in Russia.

“Hopefully, my being an Olympic torch bearer will also help raise awareness about the Paralympic Games while representing Lincoln as a sporting city.”

James Roark from Horncastle studies Sport and Education at BG, and also works at Horncastle Swimming Pool as a swimming instructor and lifeguard.

He was nominated due to teaching people of all ages in his community how to swim for the past four years.

“Being a competitive swimmer from a young age and reaching county and regional level over the years makes seeing people enjoy something I enjoy even more rewarding,” he said.

Deputy Principal of BG Hâf Merrifield said: “Sport is a prominent aspect of life at BG with increasing numbers of sports specialists studying here.

“Our first cohort of Sports Studies students graduated in 2011 and were joined by former England goalkeeper Ray Clemence, who became an honorary graduate of Bishop Grosseteste University College.”

The Olympic Torch will be passing through Lincoln on June 27, leading up to an overnight celebration at Yarborough Leisure Centre for residents.

Source: Bishop Grosseteste University College